The Power of Coalitions
Chelsey Cartwright, LWV | Published on 3/12/2026
Coalitions hold the power to propel our democracy forward. In this time of chaos for our democracy, it’s imperative to focus on what brings us together instead of what divides us. Though these times feel destructive to the well-being of our democracy, there are ways to fight alongside one another for a shared sense of a better future.
Coming together across lines of race, ethnicity, gender identity, and political ideology brings us closer to consensus. Building these bridges means confronting fears and addressing unconscious biases. In doing so, we reflect on how our differences make us unique and how our diversity makes us strong.
Bridge building also equips us to address the multifaceted crisis that we face in our democracy. A
poll from the New York Times and Sienna found that 13% of registered voters in the US say that polarization is the most important problem facing the country today. Strong coalitions can break down those barriers and allow for deeper and more meaningful connection and action.